4

ST.—l9

The plan of training bandsmen for first-line stretcher-work is now on a definite footing, and works well. All units of this corps are striving hard to bring themselves up to a high standard of efficiency. Officers generally, both those attached for special duties and those unattached, have taken a keen interest in their work. Every endeavour is being made to encourage and foster this branch by inducing its members to take part in Staff rides, war games, and the various field evolutions, &c. Taking all things into consideration, the Medical Corps of the Dominion is in a good state of efficiency, and is working on a system that promises extremely well. Supplies of " Royal Army Medical Corps Training Manuals, 1908," and also tabloid medicine chests have been imported and issued to the various Field Ambulance Units, the equipment of these units being now completed according to scale. Ambulance-wagons manufactured in the Dominion have been on service at the various manoeuvres during the year, and have given every satisfaction, proving superior to the imported vehicle. Additional supplies of stretchers have been made locally during the year, and the Public Works Department are now working on another order, which, when completed, is intended for the equipment of Battalion and other Bands. Maltese carts having been lately added to the equipment list, a sample cart has been ordered from England, with a view to having any further necessary supply made in the Dominion. Veterinary Services. During the past year further advances have been made in the organization of this valuable branch of the service, and provision is being made under the new scheme for further progress in this direction. Reports show that Veterinary Officers have been very zealous as regards attending the camps of Mounted corps, and imparting instruction in the care and management of horses, and also in giving instructional lectures to the several Field Batteries. This instruction has. already proved most useful in cases of injuries received by horses from kicks, accident, saddle and girth galls, colic, and general sickness, &c. Veterinary Officers have rendered valuable service in assessing the value of horses whose loss is sustained through accident whilst on duty, and also in ascertaining the nature and extent of injuries received, so as to adjust the amount of compensation payable, and expedite payment thereof. Appointments, Promotions, and Resignations of Officers. During the year 342 officers were granted appointments, 179 resigned, 9 commissions were cancelled, and 237 promotions were made. Decorations and Medals. Seven Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decorations, 36 Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service, 46 New Zealand Long and Efficient Service, and 80 New Zealand Service Medals were awarded this year. Arms and Ammunition. A further supply of M.L.E. short rifles, Mark 111, is on order from England, and when these come to hand the whole of the Mounted corps in the Dominion will then be armed with the new short rifle. An additional supply of M.L.E. long rifles is also under order. The number of carbines for use by cadets in the Dominion has been augmented by the conversion of one thousand M.E. rifles, the work of conversion being carried out by the local Armourer's Staff. In order to cope with demands for arms for Cadet corps it has been necessary to equip senior corps with M.L.E. rifles, and withdraw the carbines for the equipment of junior corps. All units have been visited periodically during the year by the Armourers, and a thorough inspection of the arms on issue made. Additional Maxim machine guns, on tripod mountings, with packsaddlery complete, have been placed on order from England, and when these arrive it is proposed to convert the Maxim guns at present in the Dominion from the Dundonald carriages to the tripod mountings, it having been found that the tripod mountings are much more suitable for transport purposes in this country than the Dundonald carriages. The supply of ordnance ammunition has been maintained in accordance with the scale laid down. The reserve of small-arms ammunition, which is composed of recent improved manufacture, is being steadily increased, having due regard to the stand of arms in the Dominion. The -303 ammunition as manufactured by the Colonial Ammunition Company continues to give every satisfaction. Over two and a half million rounds were expended during the year, and no complaints have been made. Competitors at the recent Dominion Rifle Association Meeting generally testified to the excellent quality of the ammunition supplied them. A new contract, on a satisfactory basis, has been entered into with the Colonial Ammunition Company for the supply of this ammunition, under which a sufficient quantity for present requirements is amply provided for, as also exceptional extra supplies should occasion arise therefor. Clothing and Equipment. All corps are fully equipped with accoutrements, the replacing of the buff with brown leather, which is more serviceable, being generally appreciated.